Texas Coach Sean Miller Confirms Key Players Ready for Duke

UPDATE: New Texas basketball coach Sean Miller has confirmed that key players Lassina Traore and Matas Vokietaitis are set to play in the season opener against No. 6 Duke on October 31, 2023, in Charlotte, NC. This announcement comes just days before the highly anticipated matchup, igniting excitement among fans.

With the Longhorns struggling in recent scrimmages against TCU and SMU, the return of these two players is crucial. Miller noted that their absence significantly impacted team performance, contributing to a challenging 91-72 loss to TCU. “When you have two players, especially when they both play the same position, out for this extended period, that has not helped our progress offensively,” Miller explained during a media Zoom meeting.

Both Traore and Vokietaitis, who are expected to dominate the center position, have recently returned to practice. Traore, a vital 6-foot-9 graduate student, had been sidelined with a foot injury, while Vokietaitis made a strong comeback after spraining his ankle. Miller expressed optimism about their health moving forward, stating, “I think we’re going to have both guys back, and hopefully, they can have a great stretch of health.”

The coach admitted that the time lost due to injuries has hindered the team’s development. “Selfishly, as a coach, you want your entire roster to be able to practice every day. Those two guys missing the time that they’ve missed has really hurt everybody,” he added, highlighting the urgency for the team to gel before facing a formidable opponent like Duke.

In the absence of Traore and Vokietaitis, freshman John Clark stepped up, earning praise for his performance. Miller remarked on Clark’s growth, highlighting his coachability and potential. “John Clark is one of the most coachable freshmen that I’ve had the pleasure of coaching,” Miller said. “His best days are ahead of him.”

This upcoming game is more than just a season opener; it’s a test for the Longhorns as they navigate the challenges of early-season injuries. Fans are eager to see how Miller’s strategies will unfold on the court against Duke, a team known for its strength and skill.

As the Longhorns prepare for a pivotal season, all eyes will be on Traore and Vokietaitis to see how their return can shift the momentum. With the stakes high, Texas is poised for a dramatic start to the season. Will they rise to the occasion against the Blue Devils? Stay tuned for updates.